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Getting into a relationship for the first time can be one of the most thrilling experiences in your life. But, of course, there are risks. You don’t always know your romantic partner as well as you would like to think.
So, what can you do to protect yourself? How can you have a great relationship and ensure you aren’t going to get hurt in the process?
Communicate Effectively
If you have a romantic partner, focus on communicating effectively. Be clear about what you want and expect from the relationship. This step isn’t about writing a shopping list; it’s about setting boundaries and ensuring you get the respect you deserve.
Effective communication requires a level of assertiveness. You want to go into interactions, willing and able to put your needs first, especially when it comes to matters involving aggressive behavior.
It’s okay to be open with your partner in a relationship, but it is a good idea to build up a reasonable level of trust before you do that. You want to know more about them before you rush into something.
Wait And Observe
It’s also a good idea to wait and observe when it comes to romantic relationships. While getting swept off your feet is tempting, it can also land you in hot water if you don’t exercise caution.
It’s a good idea to read up on sexual assault awareness programs if they are available to you. These provide more information on the kind of behaviors that are okay, and also when things cross the line.
Sometimes, it pays to sit back and pay attention to how your partner treats you alone and around other people. The more you can see of them, the more you can learn about their character and how things are likely to work out for you in the future.
If you feel like asking questions, do so. Probing them can help you find out if you have any shared values. If you don’t that’s also okay, but it could mean that your relationship is harder in the future.
Keep Learning
Another thing that helps is educating yourself about healthy relationships and what they look like. It can take time to learn this, so it is okay if you don’t understand everything immediately.
Sometimes, reading books on the subject is useful because you can learn lines or phrases you can deploy in difficult situations. It’s often possible to have disagreements with your partner without them blowing up into tensions.
Throughout it all, you want to remain yourself. The personality you have isn’t something you should have to give up, just to be with someone else.
Protect Your Emotional Energy
Lastly, you need to protect your emotional energy sometimes. Many relationships are draining and don’t enrich your life. When this happens, you might want to take a closer look at whether the relationship is right for you. Sometimes, it’s not.
Be careful of people who try to sweep you up in grand gestures. Often, these individuals don’t have your best interests at heart.
